Magician Bob Elliott, mentor to many, dies at 76

When he was six years old, growing up in the Bronx, an uncle showed him a trick. He was hooked and as an adult he went on to teach, perform and share his love of magic with many fledgling magicians. His former students included David Copperfield and Criss Angel.

After moving to San Diego County about five years ago, Mr. Elliott continued entertaining for the fun of it. Friends said he volunteered for charity events and often strolled down streets and malls pulling coins from children’s ears.

Mr. Elliott died of complications from diabetes and dementia Dec. 7 at his Oceanside home. He was 76.

“He was a legend in the magic community,” said friend Jeffrey Pearson, a San Marcos physician who enjoys magic. Friends and colleagues said Mr. Elliott and his wife, Diana “Happy” Elliott, were at the heart of the New York magic scene for many years. They helped run Tannen’s Magic Camp, a popular East Coast camp for budding young magicians, and they booked lecture tours.

The Elliotts often opened their home to struggling magicians, offering food and shelter and a place to talk about magic all night. “His whole life was magic and mentoring,” Happy Elliott said.

Although he had a high level of skill, particularly in what is known as “close-up” magic involving cards and coins, Mr. Elliott classified himself as an amateur magician. “He was a pro but he never accepted money (for performing),” Pearson said. “His favorite line was ‘Amateurs built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic.’ He was a teacher, a giver, he just wanted to spread the joy and the magic.”

Mr. Elliott’s “day job” was as a metallurgical engineer but he inspired many in the magic field, Pearson said. “A lot of his pupils are now professionals,” he said.

Mr. Elliott was a likable, humble person who never bragged or boasted but relished reminiscing about his life in magic and the people he had encountered, said Jack White, former president of the International Brotherhood of Magic and a Mission Hills resident. White recalled attending a David Copperfield performance with Mr. Elliott a couple of years ago. “He literally stopped the show,” White said. “David Copperfield spotted him in the audience, asked him to stand up and introduced him as his mentor. (Mr. Elliott) was terribly flattered.”

Local magician Michael Johnson said Mr. Elliott enjoyed sharing his knowledge with anyone who had a genuine interest in magic. He was a generous, giving person and helped many magicians get their first jobs, Johnson said. “He was a good resource and had a lot of positive energy,” Johnson said. “His name opened up doors.”

Friends said it was not uncommon for Mr. Elliott to give away $25 in half-dollars on any given day. He would pull half-dollar coins out of children’s ears and give them to the kids, saying it was their money since it came out of their ears. He enjoyed teaching magic to children at local magic stores, for free. He also volunteered at community events, including entertaining for the Wounded Warriors project.

Pearson said Mr. Elliott regularly visited his San Marcos office and entertained his patients while they were in the waiting room.

Robert Charles Elliott was born January 6, 1934 in the Bronx, N.Y., to Clarence and Albertine Augusta Elliott. He received a bachelor’s degree from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, Mo.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Happy, of Oceanside; a daughter, Jennifer Christina, of Fremont; a son, John William, of New York; and a twin brother, William, of Florida.

A celebration of life was held Saturday in Oceanside. A traditional magician’s “broken wand” farewell will be held Thursday in New York.